Renowned actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar, fondly known as ‘Bharat Kumar‘, passed away at the age of 87 on Friday.
The actor, celebrated for his patriotic films, reportedly breathed his last at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital after battling a prolonged illness.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit confirmed the news, paying tribute to the legendary star. In a video statement posted by ANI, he said, “The legendary Dadasaheb Phalke award winner, our inspiration and the ‘lion’ of the Indian film industry, Manoj Kumar Ji is no more. It is a great loss to the industry, and the entire film fraternity will miss him.”
A stalwart of Indian cinema, Manoj Kumar was known for his iconic roles in films that evoked deep patriotic fervour. His notable works include Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), and Roti Kapda Aur Makaan (1974), all of which left an indelible mark on Hindi cinema.
Kumar was also honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in recognition of his immense contribution to Indian cinema.
